KUALA LUMPUR, June 1 — If book fair visitors once returned home with bags filled only with books, many are now also hunting for exclusive collectable stamps offered by publishers at their respective booths.
The increasingly popular trend has made visits to the Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair (KLIBF) 2026 more interactive, while encouraging visitors to explore a greater number of booths throughout the event.
Institut Buku Darul Ehsan is among the exhibitors that have embraced the initiative, in line with efforts to make book ownership a more meaningful and personal experience.
Its sales, marketing, and business development senior manager Ainunl Muaiyanah said that collecting stamps has become an increasingly popular hobby among book fair visitors.
“This year at the book fair, we have introduced a stamp-collecting activity, which is now emerging as a new hobby among visitors. We are offering buyers and IBDE readers the opportunity to collect exclusive stamps.
"The experience of owning a book is no longer static or limited to placing it on a shelf. They can collect stamps, keep journals and record their experiences throughout the book fair,” she said during the fair at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) on Saturday (May 30).
Ainunl added that the approach reflects changing reading trends, with readers increasingly appreciating interactive elements and personalised experiences.
“Books are not only meant to be read, but can also become part of a reader’s lifestyle in Malaysia,” she said.
A survey conducted at KLIBF 2026 found that several publishers have introduced their own collectable stamps at their booths, encouraging visitors to explore more exhibitors in order to complete their collections.
The presence of stamp-collecting enthusiasts from various age groups also demonstrates the growing popularity of the activity among book fair attendees.
More than simply a collection of souvenirs, the initiative helps foster a culture of reading in a more relaxed and enjoyable environment.
KLIBF 2026, which runs from May 29 to June 7 at WTCKL, brings together 198 exhibiting companies with 1,210 booths.
The 43rd edition of the annual event continues to serve as a premier platform connecting publishers, authors, and readers from Malaysia and around the world.
